The following article was posted by Teresita C. Tayanes at World Village.com

Potassium plays an a very important role in regulating high blood pressure,  and in this article, Teresita lists some very popular foods that are rich sources of Potassium, as well as some other food that contain compounds which have been proven to have a positive effect on lowering blood pressure.

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Heart diseasese is by far the number one killer worldwide, and yet health experts say, it is one of the simplest diseases to prevent. These simple cures are the hardest thing because they involve a change in lifestyle and daily habits.

Eating healthily is fundamental to circulatory well-being. Studies indicate that people who take the initiative to make positive changes in their diet, get some exercise, lose some weight, avoid smoking, ensure high intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables tend to have a reduced risk of heart disease even if their parents and grandparents have heart disease.

Amanda Ursell, nutritionist author of the book "Healing Foods : The Complete Guide" included top foods that could help lower raised blood pressure. They are:

Bananas
Bananas are low in salt and high in potassium, an ideal food source for people with high blood pressure. The potassium present in bananas appears to help lower blood pressure in several ways. Bananas seems to encourage to excrete salt, and also appears to dilate the blood vessels, increasing their width and reducing the pressure of the blood flow.

Mangoes
Mangoes are a good source of potassium, which is a key mineral for people with high blood pressure. They are also said to counteract the effects of rich, greasy foods, by helping to break down fats and protein. Eaten regularly, mangoes may not only lower high blood pressure but also reduce the risk of both viral infections and tumor growth.

Oily Fish
Research have shown that death from heart disease is less common among those who eat large amounts of oily fish. This has been attributed to omega fatty acids found in the fish. Eating oily fish is also found to reduce the risk of blood clots forming and the risk of plaque forming.

Garlic
Garlic has been shown to lower blood pressure. Ajone, one of the volatile substances that is produced once garlic is crushed, appears to reduce the formation of blood clots. Research has also shown that garlic is able to fight bacteria including Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes stomach ulcer.

Grapes
Being rich in potassium, grapes may help lower raised blood pressure. Grapes are also said to contain salts that purify the blood and cleanse the glands and organs. Grape is also said to have positive effects on liver disorders such as hepatitis and jaundice.

Asparagus
The active ingredients in asparagus include asparagine, asparagose, chelindonic acid, coniferin, and potassium, that cause a diuretic effect. For the treatment of water retention caused by heart failures, and to treat hypertension, doctors commonly prescribe diuretic drugs. In the past asparagus was used to help relieve symptoms and to prevent complications such as heart disease and migraines.

Celery
The phytonutrient phthalid is found in celery. Phythalides are capable of regulating the hormones that control blood pressure in the body. Tests on small numbers of people with raised blood pressure revealed that treatment with an extract of celery containing the active phthalid constituent reduced the severity of the hormonal problem in the majority of those studied.

Prunes
A prune is a dried plum that has been processed without removing the stone. Eating prunes regularly helps maintain good blood pressure levels. Prunes are an excellent source of potassium.